| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.52 |
| Liaison | Ruairi O'Mahony |
| Submission Date | Aug. 10, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Lowell
IN-27: Innovation D
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Ruairi
O'Mahony Executive Director Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The Yoro Biological Corridor Initiative is a collaboration of the University of Massachusetts (UMass) and the Mesoamerican Development Institute (MDI). The program is designed to scale-up MDI's innovations in agro-industrial processing using renewable energy technology and forest-friendly coffee production in harmony with threatened cloud forests and national parks. This program is creating new employment opportunities for rural populations to directly export sustainably processed coffee to international markets: US, Canada, Sweden, and Ireland.
University of Massachusetts Lowell is providing technology that allows local communities to industrially process coffee without the burning of firewood, a first for the industry world-wide. Faculty and students are directly engaged in applied research to benefit the Yoro Biological Corridor to assist in meeting the most pressing environmental challenges before us.
Students can also enjoy sustainably processed coffee from the Yoro Biological Corridor in the cafeterias and cafes on campus.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Public Engagement
Food & Dining
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.